Winter is Coming – Holiday Brews & Gift Ideas

Have you turned on your furnace yet? Have you had your first argument about the thermostat? There’s no denying it, winter is on its way. It’s time to wrap that afghan around you and enjoy a cup of cold beer! This winter we have some amazing seasonal beers that will put you in the winter – dare we say Christmas-spirit.

SEASONALS (Limited Release)

Morgantown Brewing Holiday Blonde (Morgantown,WV) –DRAFT ONLY–

This spiced ale is a winter wamer. Pours a very nice straw color, a nice sweet maltiness with a wonderful cinnamon and nutmeg aroma, highlighted by German noble hops. Excellent warming flavor with a nice malt background. This will be on tap at Ye Olde Alpha and Generations.

Big Timber Frost Notch Winter Ale (Elkins, WV) –DRAFT ONLY–

The beer is a darker amber to brown color with a beige head of foam that is fairly velvety. The aroma hits me with spicy cinnamon and graham crackers with toffee. Medium sweetness throughout with a bit more spice than i prefer. Bigger body and medium to high carbonation.

Goose Island Winter Ale (Chicago, IL) –BOTTLES–

Back by popular demand. Goose Island’s upcoming seasonal, Winter Ale, is layered with rich, nutty chocolate notes and malty, roasted caramel flavors. This brown ale gives you plenty to contemplate on long winter nights.

Goose Island Festivity Ale (Chicago, IL) –BOTTLES–

Every Goose Island brews a brown ale to celebrate the holidays. To make each year’s special, they alter the recipe. This year they wrapped caramel and dark fruit malt flavors inside a creamy toasty brown ale. May your holidays be filled with Festivity.

These will be available in 6 pack bottles at Convenient Food Mart on Washington Ave, Marathon on Washington Avenue, Gumby’s in Elm Grove, Smoker Friendly at the Highlands and on the Island, Kroger and Riesbecks.

WARM UP WITH A COLD ONE (Year Round)

Big Timber Porter (Elkins, WV)

This porter has a rich coffee smell and first taste, followed by hints of chocolate and tobacco. It is mildly sweet.

Mountain State Miner’s Daughter Oatmeal Stout (Thomas, WV)

Coal black and creamy smooth, this oatmeal stout is brewed with chocolate malted barley, holds a light tan head and is surprisingly light in body – so it won’t fill you up!

Big Timber and Mountain State can be found at a variety of stores including, but not limited to Kroger in Wheeling and Warwood, Riesbecks, Smoker Friendly Island and Highlands, Gumbys in Elm Grove and Dallas Pike.

MAKE SHOPPING EASY THIS YEAR – The Perfect Gift

Stella Artois Holiday Gift Pack

Stella Artois was originally crafted as a Holiday gift to the town of Leuven, Belgium. Staying true to its roots, Stella Artois offers a holiday gift pack –a thoughtfully designed box that includes the limited edition Stella Artois Christmas bottle and two limited edition chalices. These will be available at Kroger.

Stella Artois and Heineken Holiday Packaging

Both Stella and Heineken will feature holiday packaging. An easy choice for a Christmas gift.

Budweiser Holiday Steins, Drink WV T-Shirts, & Gift Certificates

The holiday steins are back and they look better than ever, featuring the iconic Clydesdales. We also have our signature DRINK WV t-shirts available. Get a jump on your Christmas shopping, stop by our office and pick these up! Both going for $15 apiece. If you can’t decide on one, pick up a gift certificate to go toward them or one of our many kegs available.

Cheers to first snowfalls, wood crackling, cozy sweaters, and tasty brews. Remember to always be safe and drink responsibly.

Editor’s Note: Weelunk is pleased to announce a partnership with Carenbauer Distributing. As you already know from this article, Carenbauer’s is a great Wheeling company and has stepped up to support Weelunk’s mission of making Wheeling and the Valley an even better place to live. In exchange, we will be periodically highlighting some beers and brewers that our readers may be interested in. As such, this is a paid piece, and now you know.